Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. Standing in the doorway, Sam watched as Chloe recounted her plans for a move to Colorado. His world seemed to shrink, as the realization of her leaving washed over him. He felt a prickle of goosebumps, despite the warmth of the summer air.

He fumbled for a response, but his mind was a blank slate. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to do something, anything, to stop time, to prevent this inevitable change. He took a hesitant step toward her, then stopped, his hands clenching at his sides.

The light from the setting sun seemed to paint her in a golden hue, as if she were already fading. He blinked hard, trying to hold back the sudden sting behind his eyes. He focused on the details around him, the cracked pavement, the buzzing of the cicadas, trying to ground himself in the moment, to find a way to deal with the inevitable.